The health region

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern recognised early on that its healthcare industry had the potential to stimulate economic growth and create sustainable jobs. Today, its aim is to become Germany’s number-one health region. Nearly 150,000 people work in the healthcare sector – this represents one-fifth of all jobs in the state. Since 2014 a total of 11,400 new jobs have been created in this sector.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern boasts a long tradition as a resort destination. With its mild, healthy climate, sunny regions, clean air and natural deposits of chalk, peat and brine, the state offers ideal conditions for relaxation, recreation and good health.

A total of 65 towns, cities and municipalities have already been granted state approval in accordance with the Health Resort Law. Seven of them are rated as seaside health spas, two as health spas, four as climatic health resorts, two as Kneipp health resorts, 24 as seaside resorts and 26 as resort towns. At all of these spas and resorts, guests can take a break from everyday life and enjoy their holidays while doing something good for their health: for example, by taking advantage of the attractive sport and recreational facilities, the modern spa-treatment centres and the rehabilitation clinics and health centres with high-quality therapeutic services.

The state government has commissioned the development of a “Master Plan Health Economy 2020” whose strategic implementation is being supported by the Board of Trustees for Health Economy state politics The Master Plan defines the following main development areas: life sciences (biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceutical industry), health services, healthy ageing, health tourism and healthy nutrition.

The BioCon Valley® initiative connects the various competencies in order to tap the full potentials of the healthcare sector – both in the region and beyond. On behalf of the state, it also organises the annual National Conference on Health Economy, which Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will be hosting in 2018 for the 14th time.